About Dream Chaser®

What is the Dream Chaser® Spacecraft?

SNC's reusable Dream Chaser spacecraft is a multi-mission, commercial, lifting-body vehicle capable of transportation services to low-Earth orbit (LEO) destinations, including the International Space Station (ISS). SNC has developed one common Dream Chaser spacecraft airframe, which we call a Space Utility Vehicle (SUV) due to its mission flexibility. However, there are currently two Dream Chaser variants optimized specifically for either uncrewed or crewed missions, known as the Dream Chaser Cargo System and Dream Chaser Space System, respectively. Additional variants may be developed for future mission needs.

The Dream Chaser Spacecraft Airframe Features Include:

Lifting-body spacecraft with the same outer mold line (shape)

Capable of autonomous launch, flight and landing (does not require a pilot)

High reusability

Low 1.5 g atmospheric entry throughout the entire flight profile

Gentle runway landing on any compatible commercial runway, both in the United States and internationally

Immediate access to crew or cargo upon landing

All non-toxic consumables, including propellants - a historic first!

Ability to perform an ISS propulsive reboost when docked (lifts ISS to a higher orbital altitude)

About the Dream Chaser Variants

The Dream Chaser Cargo System is designed to deliver up to 5,500 kg of pressurized and unpressurized cargo to the ISS with the ability to conduct orbital disposal services and responsively return pressurized cargo at less than 1.5 g’s to a gentle runway landing. This solution meets or exceeds NASA’s current cargo transportation requirements. SNC has created an animated critical cargo mission overview video that demonstrates this capability viewable on our YouTube channel.

The Dream Chaser Space System is designed to be optionally piloted and transport up to seven crew members and cargo to LEO destinations with a gentle return to a runway landing. SNC has created an animated crew mission overview video that demonstrates this capability viewable on our YouTube channel.

Dream Chaser Cargo System (uncrewed spacecraft) Characteristics:

Addition of a disposable cargo module that attaches to the Dream Chaser vehicle greatly increases the amount of upmass pressurized and unpressurized cargo that can be carried

Ability to do both orbital disposal and pressurized cargo return on every mission

Innovative folding-wing design allows the uncrewed Dream Chaser spacecraft to fit inside existing standard launch vehicle fairings, making it compatible with a suite of current and future launch vehicles. Post-mission, the folding wings also facilitate simple and affordable transportation back to the launch site from a variety of locations since the spacecraft is easily transportable via a multitude of platforms and carriers (ground, sea and air).

Addition of solar arrays on the cargo module increase flight time in space

Capable of docking or berthing to the ISS

Dream Chaser Space System (crewed spacecraft) Characteristics:

Addition of an environmental control, life support system and seating capable of transporting a crew of seven and critical cargo to LEO

Addition of windows for crew visibility

Launches without a fairing, on top of a human-rated United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket with the ability to safely abort to a runway in the event of an emergency

Integral main propulsion system for abort capability and major orbital maneuvers

Dream Chaser Heritage and Program Information

SNC’s Dream Chaser spacecraft has been in development for more than 10 years, including six years as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, and leverages more than 40 years of X-vehicle and NASA space shuttle heritage. To date, SNC has received funding from NASA and has made its own significant investments to mature the Dream Chaser vehicle. SNC’s Dream Chaser spacecraft leverages over 40 years of NASA X-vehicle and Space Shuttle heritage.

Where is Dream Chaser Built?

The Dream Chaser spacecraft is designed, manufactured, owned and operated by SNC;s Space Systems division based in Louisville, CO. However, SNC has assembled a world-class Dream Team of aerospace companies, NASA centers, universities and international partners collaborating to ensure the Dream Chaser is the safest, most reliable spacecraft in the world.

Dream Chaser in relation to the Space Shuttle Orbiters

The Dream Chaser spacecraft is 30 feet, or 9 meters, long which is roughly ¼ the total length of the Space Shuttle orbiters. The spacecraft can carry the same crew size as the Space Shuttle and can remain docked to the ISS considerably longer.